Chelsea also dropped a heavy hint that they already have a replacement for Di Matteo lined up.

Russian billionaire owner Roman Abramovich has shown typically little patience with the club's poor form, which has also seen the Blues struggle in the Premier League in recent weeks.

Chelsea now face the likelihood of failing to qualify from the Champions League group stages, despite being the current title-holders.

And the west Londoners are four points off the pace of Premier League leaders Manchester City.

Yet, many expected Chelsea to retain faith in Di Matteo, especially as he brought the club's first-ever European Cup win last season.

The Italian also oversaw heavy investment in the summer, as he tried to introduce a new attacking style to Stamford Bridge, with exciting talents such as Eden Hazard and Oscar.

But Abramovich is obviously unwilling to sit through another prolonged November blip, which has affected the club in a number of recent seasons.

"The team's recent performances and results have not been good enough and the owner and the Board felt that a change was necessary now to keep the club moving in the right direction as we head into a vitally important part of the season," said a statement on the club's website.

Chelsea also dropped a heavy hint that they already have a replacement for Di Matteo lined up.

"The club will be making an announcement shortly regarding a new first team manager," read the statement.

Former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola - who is currently enjoying a sabbatical from the game - has long been linked with the Chelsea job.